Reading Roundup

Reading Roundup is a regular look at what's new in the world of children's books and reading. I will keep you up-to-date with interesting facts and opinions in the news today which are all related to setting your child on the road to reading.

On the right of this page you can check out the news about children's books and reading as gathered by Google from more than 4,500 news sources around the world.

Below you can find my views on specific news items which I have found most interesting and relevant. Click on the links below to read more about each item. The latest news items are at the top.

An Easy Trick That Helps Preschoolers Learn to Read April 24, 2012

Making occasional print references as you read to your preschooler, such as pointing to letters and words on the page as you read them, can help your child become a better reader. This was the conclusion of a recent study by Ohio State University.

Reading Rocket's Top 12 Comprehension Apps February 10, 2012

Use your iPhone or iPad to help boost your child's reading comprehension. Reading Rockets have identified their favorite comprehension apps and they are worth a look. There are apps for encouraging reading for detail, practicing sequencing, differentiating between fact and opinion, practicing inferring, mind mapping and developing vocabulary using antonyms, synonyms, and homophones.

2012 ALA Children's Books Award Winners January 23, 2012

Some of the most prestigious awards for children's books have been announced by the The American Library Association. They include the 2012 awards for the Caldecott Medal - always big favorites with my young children - and the Newbery Medal.

Publisher's Weekly Best Children's Books 2011 November 10, 2011

Publishers Weekly have chosen their list of the best books published in 2011 for children and teens. Check out the selections for the year's best children's picture books, fiction and nonfiction, including reviews for each chosen book.

NY Times 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2011 November 3, 2011

The New York Times Book Review has announced this year's list of the 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books. For almost 60 years a panel of judges has been selecting its favorites annually from those children's books published during the year. You can also review the list of 2010 winners.

Helping Children Expand Their Vocabulary September 29, 2011

One of the essential components of strong reading ability is a good vocabulary. What can you do to help your child improve their vocabulary? Find out some useful, practical tips in this article from the New Jersey News.

Chapter Books for Younger Children September 29, 2011

When can you start reading chapter books to your young child? Why should you? What are some good chapter books to try reading aloud? Find out the answers to all these questions in this informative article from Trevor Cairney.

Rhythm and Reading July 20, 2011

Interesting new research found that children who are good at recognising rhythmic patterns in music are also good readers. This seems to support the importance of poetry and nursery rhymes (which have strong rhythmic patterns) in helping children learn to read.

The Whole Language and Phonics Debate Continues July 9, 2011

The whole language and phonics debate continues, as illustrated by recent press articles warning against relying exclusively on using phonics methods to teach your child to read.

Popular Childrens Books Chosen by Leading Childrens Authors May 31, 2011

An interesting list appeared recently of 50 popular children's books which should be on every child's reading list, according to top children's authors.

Interactive Books - A Blessing or a Curse? March 31, 2011

Recent comments by bestselling children's author Julia Donaldson have added to the debate on the advantages and disadvantages of digital interactive books.

Story Repetition Helps Children Learn More Words Feb 24, 2011

New research shows that reading the same story to your child repeatedly can help them learn new words more effectively than reading a different book every time.

Pushy Parent or Perfect Parent? Discussions on Parenting Styles Jan 25, 2011

A number of discussions have appeared in the press recently around parenting styles and the ever present pressure to be the perfect parent.

Two recent literacy research studies have re-emphasised how a child's home environment in the first few years of his life is crucial in determining his future reading success.

Having received an iPad for Christmas, I take my first look at children's book apps for the iPad.

New Award Winning Children's Books Jan 13, 2011

Some of the most prestigious awards for children's books were announced this week by the American Library Association. Find out which ones you want to add to your Wish List

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